Plants have been around for 400 million years. In that time, they have developed some amazing designs. As well as using plants to make things, humans have used some of these designs as inspiration for new inventions. For example, the idea for Velcro came from seeds! Some seeds have tiny hooks on their surface that stick to the fur of passing animals – an excellent way of traveling for seed dispersal*.
TASK 1 Can you take pictures or draw plants in your area that have very special designs. Add to this page these photos with a brief description of the design and its scientific justification (if known).
TASK 2 Choose an area of land that you are familiar with which may be in or around your school or college. Design a real or imaginary ‘garden’. This may include plants that will help you to survive throughout the year (plants for food, building materials, medicines etc.). You might also choose to include plants that are important in the history and folklore of your local area, and plants to attract local wildlife. Your design may also include other useful features for your local area, such as sun and rain shelters, seating or places to gather with your friends. Attach your ‘garden’ design to this page. You could also draw it as a plan with a key to the most important features.
PLANT CREATIVITY
Plants have been around for 400 million years. In that time, they have developed some amazing designs. As well as using plants to make things, humans have used some of these designs as inspiration for new inventions. For example, the idea for Velcro came from seeds! Some seeds have tiny hooks on their surface that stick to the fur of passing animals – an excellent way of traveling for seed dispersal*.
TASK 1 Can you take pictures or draw plants in your area that have very special designs. Add to this page these photos with a brief description of the design and its scientific justification (if known).
TASK 2 Choose an area of land that you are familiar with which may be in or around your school or college. Design a real or imaginary ‘garden’. This may include plants that will help you to survive throughout the year (plants for food, building materials, medicines etc.). You might also choose to include plants that are important in the history and folklore of your local area, and plants to attract local wildlife. Your design may also include other useful features for your local area, such as sun and rain shelters, seating or places to gather with your friends. Attach your ‘garden’ design to this page. You could also draw it as a plan with a key to the most important features.